Czech Republic: Emergency response ongoing near Poricany Oct. 11 following train derailment

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a freight train derailment near Poricany Railway Station the morning of Oct. 11. The locomotive and two tankers carrying dangerous substances derailed; authorities have suspended rail services at Poricany Railway Station until at least 09:00 Oct. 12 to facilitate the clean-up of the chemical leak. Rail services on the Prague-Kolin line, the Cesky Brod-Poricany-Pecky line, and the Poricany-Sadska line are experiencing significant delays due to lengthy diversions to avoid Poricany.

Localized business and transport disruptions will likely occur until crews can contain the spill and investigate the incident. Lingering freight and passenger rail service disruptions are likely through early Oct. 12.

Poricany is located approximately 35 km (22 miles) east of Prague.

Advice

Avoid the area. Follow the instructions of authorities. Plan for localized operational and shipping disruptions. If avoidance of the site is not possible, protect the airway by covering both mouth and nose, as well as shielding the eyes. Cover all exposed skin to prevent chemical particles and droplets from settling and causing irritation.